Buying a car in Singapore is not for the faint of heart.

Singapore has so many unique aspects to it, that everyday seems to provide a gutsy look at  world governance and dealing with success. This country has been forced to be inventive, collaborative, staunch and visionary because it has no natural resources, borrows water from it's neighbors and sports a thriving and growing population, who view all people as equal and deserving of respect.  Singapore also takes on tough questions and rules in favor of sensible decisions.

Take owning a car, for instance.

Here, the roads are in perfect condition, beautifully landscaped and designed so you can easily make your way around the country in a variety of directions.  So, who wouldn't want a car to take in all the vistas and causeways provided?  Well......maybe it's not a question of what YOU want, but what the government has figured out to keep the country from choking on increasing traffic congestion.  They put their foot down.  Public transportation is everywhere and superb.  But how do you force people to use it?   Watch this.

So, scooters for everyone! 

A couple of additional points. The C.O.E. is an actual bi-monthly bidding function.  You basically sign up for a lottery on your new car purchase.  In addition, it is only good for 10 years.  No hanging on to the old Mercedes 190.  If you want to keep your favorite beater, after 10 years, pay more....again. Then that little device stuck on your windshield, sends a signal to automatically pay your daily road tolls, parking and whatever else, all of which just keeps adding to your costs.

Will driving be elitist in Singapore in a decade or so? Only for the most wealthy?  Perhaps. But already I pick up in conversation from people at all levels,  owning a car in Singapore is not a necessary lifestyle fixture.  Yes, it's great for showing off your wealth, if that's your "thing". But  other than that, save an immense wad of money and just use public transportation. Walking, subways, buses and taxis are an ingrained part of Singaporean life.  Cars.  Well, not having one is not the end of the world.

Think of how much spending green you'd have in your pockets each year without payments, insurance, maintenance, gas costs.  But, I live in L.A., so forget that model.